Woman's Festival Baby Carrier c. 20th century

This baby carrier was made by Gejia, Miao people and now hangs in the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Imagine the patient stitching, the hours of work, and the love embedded in each careful placement. The bright orange diamonds alternate with darker squares, each one unique, like variations on a theme. I can see the maker’s hand in the slight imperfections, the subtle shifts in color and pattern. It's not a painting, but the artist’s decision-making feels intuitive and painterly to me. I see a conversation happening between colors, shapes, and textures. The overall effect is so visually rhythmic that you could get lost in it. The piece reminds me of the quilts by Gee's Bend quilters, where abstraction meets functionality with such style and ingenuity. It's a testament to how deeply art is woven into everyday life.